When is the infield brought 'in'?

Answer 1

Generally speaking, the infield is brought in when the batting team has at least two runners on base and the team in the field needs to prevent further runs from scoring. There is always a runner on third base in this situation. The thinking is that it gives the infielders a shorter throw to the plate to cut down a runner trying to score. The risk is that with the infielders closer in, a hard-hit ball gets to them more quickly and fielders have less time to react. Generally with a runner on 3rd and less than 2 outs. This gives them the option of an easy throw home to keep a run from scoring. With 2 outs, the force out at 1st base is enough to keep a run from scoring.